Exercise

In addition to being essential to general health and well-being, exercise and physical activity are helpful in managing many MS symptoms. Studies of aerobic exercise programs for people living with MS show some of the benefits to be improvements in:

• cardiovascular fitness
• strength
• bladder and bowel function
• fatigue
• mood
• cognitive function
• bone density
• flexibility

An exercise program should fit your interests and abilities. It may need to be adjusted overtime. A physical therapist or fitness professional knowledgeable about MS can also be helpful in designing an individualized exercise program.

To find adaptive sports and recreation opportunities for people living with MS, check out the Exploring Recreational Activities page.

Exercise doesn't have to be a rigorous cardiovascular workout to provide benefits.  Physical activity in general is beneficial and can include a variety of things most people can do in the comfort of their home or community.  Physical activity includes but is not limited to:

• gardening
• household chores
• cooking
• walking the dog
• taking the stairs instead of the elevator

The unique qualities of water provide exceptional benefits to people with MS, including stretching tight muscles and improving flexibility. Water helps people with MS move in ways they may not be able to on land while keeping their body temperature cool. It is important to know that the pool temperature should not exceed 84 degrees Fahrenheit for people with MS.

• Stay hydrated-cold water will help keep your body temperature low
• Exercise in a cool room and if outside, exercise at cooler times during the day
• Remember to stretch afterward
• No pain no gain should not be your mantra
• Start low and go slow
• Consult a medical professional before starting a new exercise routine
• Prioritize safety to reduce risk of injury

Exercise is adaptable for all levels of ability – so whether you have little to no disability, moderate or advanced disability, it is safe for you to exercise. Check out these demonstration videos to learn specific exercise tips. *Disclaimer: Consult a medical professional before starting a new exercise routine and follow personal safety precautions to reduce the risk of injuries.*  

Publications

• Minimizing Your Risk of Falls
• Managing MS Through Rehabilitation

​Telelearnings

• Workout Your Worries: Anxiety and Exercise in MS- telelearning brought to you by the National MS Society and Can Do MS
• Your Mind is a Muscle, Too: The Relationship Between Exercise and Cognition- telelearning brought to you by the National MS Society and Can Do MS

Web-based Exercise Videos

• 14 Weeks to a Healthier You - free, personalized, web-based physical activity and nutrition program targeted to people with mobility limitations, chronic health conditions and physical disabilities. Created by National Center for Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD), the program can help you get moving and make healthy nutrition choices.
• ChairFit with Nancy- series of free exercise videos developed by a physical therapist with years of experience working with people with MS

Momentum Magazine articles

• Connecting to Care
• Free to be fit
• Get Moving

Yoga

• Yoga and Non-Cardio Exercises: Your Allies in Managing MS Symptoms and Improving Overall Health- telelearning brought to you by the National MS Society and Can Do MS

Aquatic Physical Therapy

• The Aquatic Physical Therapy and MS video produced by Laura Diamond, MS, PT, Diamond Physical Therapy Associates, PC, and Jill McElligott, PT, DPT, offers an introduction to the potential benefits of aquatic physical therapy for managing MS symptoms and enhancing fitness. It also provides interviews with a neurologist, a physiatrist and an aquatic physical therapist, all of whom specialize in working with people with MS, as well as with people with MS about their perspectives on aquatics exercise.

Pilates

• Balanced Body Pilates offers an online search tool to locate Pilates studios throughout the U.S. Referrals may also be obtained by phone.

Physical Activity Guidelines

• The Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults with Multiple Sclerosis can help adults with mild to moderate disability, resulting from relapsing or progressive forms of MS, to improve their fitness.